World focus on bleeding disorders
Fri April 17th, 2009
By Jane Collingwood
Haemophilia experts have called for comprehensive care for patients around
the world.
To mark World Hemophilia Day today (April 17), the Canada-based World Federation of Hemophilia plans to raise global awareness of haemophilia and other bleeding disorders.
Haemophilia affects one in 5,000 boys. It is a lifelong disorder which means that the blood does not clot normally. It can lead to death by internal bleeding, but patients can lead a longer, healthier life with the right care and management.
"Behind every person with haemophilia is a much-needed team of support," says the World Federation of Hemophilia in its campaign, "Together, We Care".
This year it focuses on the importance of comprehensive care, which is "central to treating the physical, emotional, psychological, social, and educational needs of people with haemophilia and other bleeding disorders".
Optimum haemophilia care requires a specialised comprehensive care team to ensure accurate diagnosis, prompt and effective treatment, support for families, and interventions to reduce the number of hospitalisations.
"This is best done through a multidisciplinary approach where all key healthcare professionals come together in specialised care teams to look after all the treatment requirements of the patient," says the federation.
A new podcast has been launched entitled "Together, We Care: A Comprehensive Approach to Bleeding Disorders", to highlight the benefits of comprehensive care in both developing and developed countries.
But federation president, Mark Skinner, warns: "It may not exist in developing countries and may be threatened in developed countries by government budget cuts and other measures affecting the delivery of healthcare."
Tags: Child Health | World Health
| North America
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